Abstract
The present study explored the acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and outcomes of a young adult adaptation of multidimensional family therapy (MDFT), an evidence-based family treatment originally developed for adolescents. Participants included 22 individuals between the ages of 19 to 25 who were enrolled in a criminal drug court program. MDFT was found to be feasible and was delivered with strong fidelity to young adults and their families. Participants reported high satisfaction with MDFT, and 95% completed treatment. Analyses revealed statistically significant decreases in substance use on all indicators from baseline to the 6-month follow-up. Significant improvements were also noted in vocational functioning, including a 73% increase in full-time employment from baseline to 6-month follow-up. Criminal justice outcomes included a significant decrease in legal risk, and 86% of study participants had no rearrests from baseline through the 18-month follow-up period. The article concludes with recommendations for implementing family-based interventions with young adults, as well as future research directions in this important area.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 250-263 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research |
Volume | 51 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2024 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Criminal justice
- Emerging adults/transitional age youth (TAY)
- Multidimensional family therapy (MDFT)
- Substance use
- Young adults
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)
- Health Policy
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health